University of Minnesota
 A Geriatric Home Visit Experience
Environmental Assessment
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living roomThe surroundings in which a patient lives can impact health, in both positive and negative ways. The environment can be the source of disease (ie, pets, mold, etc) and can cause injury (ie, loose throw rugs, poor lighting, clutter, or a chair that is too low). Environmental safety features (ie, bath rails and call lights) can reduce frequency or severity of injury. The bathroom and the kitchen are key locations to assess both risk and function. Incontinence can be obvious on a bathroom floor. Poor memory or cooking and housekeeping skills show up in the refrigerator. A history taken in the office or hospital is of limited value in environmental assessment.

Dr. Ratner demonstrates how to get started:

video link [:32] audio link

Take a tour of the apartment. Examine and describe:

Typical chair - Note the height of chair relative to the senior's height, whether arms are present, and whether the base is open in the front or closed like a recliner.

Bathroom - Note rails, arms for toilet, and ease of entry into the tub or shower.

Bedroom - Note bed rails.

Call lights - Note location, button versus string,and two-way communication versus one-way.

Refrigerator and cupboards - Note reach, types of food present, freshness of foods, and cleanliness.

Other - Note loose rugs, extension cords, space heaters, garbage, clutter, and overall organization.


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University of Minnesota Academic Health Center Seniors as Teachers Program

Date of last revision: December 17, 2001

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